Taiyo Ramen & Sushi — Restaurant in Lawrenceville

Our actual favorite sushi places, Haru ichiban and Mori house, weren't open at the time so we gave this place a shot cause it was close and somehow had a 4.7.

In fairness, it took us several tries to find the two actually good local sushi places, as the sushi out here on average seems pretty substandard, unless you find the few good gems. But add this place to that pile of places not worth our, and probably your time.

There was nothing complimentary, no edemame, no seaweed salad, no miso soup, no rice... AND they were extremely stingy with the ginger.

The rolls were thin, short, and light, and much too expensive given what they were. We spent near 40 dollars and we're both still hungry at the end, leaving and going to Haru Ichiban after (which had since reopened), despite getting a cheap filler classic roll in addition to 2 house rolls.

The location had poor seating arrangement with sun in my eyes where I sat necessitating a move. The aesthetic was also unbalanced and everything was made of cheap black plastic.

The service was absolutely atrocious. We not greeted, not seated, and it took many minutes of no one giving us a menu before I stood up to ask an employee for a menu. Which once our choices were marked I had to get up to give them. There was no water service, simply cheap black plastic cups and a pouring bottle placed on the table. We were not given our bill, I had get up again for that as well.

Overall a waste of time and money when there are other worthier businesses out here like Haru Ichiban...

Overall I was pleasantly surprised.

My wife and I made a spur of the moment decision at the last second on our way to the movies. I was a bit skeptical at first walking in but if you're in for a quick fix it's not a bad option at all.

Atmosphere: Weakest category, nothing to write home about their atmosphere, not really your date night spot but better than a Chinese take out.

Service: Friendly staff and considerate, one of the workers was drawing the blinds down when he noticed there was too much sunlight coming into the restaurant.

Food: Overall good; not fantastic, not terrible, good. I'm always debating on getting an extra side of noodles but decided against it; I was pleasantly surprised that it was about 1.5x more than your average ramen restaurant. Ajitama could use a bit of work, a little overcooked for my preference. Pork slices were thinner than your usual cuts. The flavor was good, nothing to write home about but it was enjoyable, if they can incorporate a special element to stand out I think they'd get more buzz. So they're just in the cusp of being excellent.

With it sounding so average, why do I rate it 4 stars? The thing that ties it all together were the price points. Anywhere else we would've paid an extra $20 easy. It caters to the area well and if I lived closer to the restaurant, I could see myself coming here 2-3 times a week for a good ramen fix.

Do come here for a good meal that's quick, comfortable...

Came in during their soft open!

When you arrive to dine in you get to sit where you would like at a table with a number marker. You’re given menus, a laminated order sheet, and a marker; also offered drinks.

The water with lemon is great! ( sometimes I don’t like restaurant water).

My partner and I loved the atmosphere, just small enough to seat about 10-12 couples or small groups. The cherry blossom corner makes my heart so so happy.

We got: chicken karage, one rainbow roll, one spicy miso ramen, and one tonkatsu ramen. Bill came out to about $50!

The chicken karage has a satisfying crisp that can be heard by the classic chopstick scrape. It is juicy, flavorful, and the sauce is spot on. It came out hot and light, not heavy with oils.

The rainbow roll came out a few minutes later, fresh fresh fresh!! Each piece was thick, the texture smooth, the ginger palate cleansing.

Shortly after our ramen came out! The miso was a balanced spice for us, not overwhelming or bland. The tonkatsu was tasty fresh and a classic. All the ramen fixings were beautifully presented in the bowl and I was all but stuffed thanks to my self control.

So thankful we don’t have to go to the city for a cozy date night. Will definitely be back!!

Servers are sweet and noninvasive to the experience for those who get easily...